258 
HINTS ON THE CULTURE OF GESNERA ZEBRHNA, 
At the time when these pages are presented to the piibHc, they will have s 
good opportunity of ascertaining the real beauty of that superb plant which will 
now engage our attention for a short period. It is doubtless yet blooming in most 
nurseries where stove plants are grown ; and in not a few private gardens. 
The highest praise we might bestow upon it would hardly overrate its merits. 
It is one of the small class that has foliage of the most interesting character . 
flowers which are numerous, lasting, and of a highly elegant and handsome 
description ; and a blooming season which, beginning at the end of September, lasts 
through the dull months of October, November, December, and often through 
January and February. An excellent figure of it in our Magazine for January 
last, precludes the necessity for further description. 
Probably one of the best traits of this ornamental species is the freedom with 
which small specimens flower while in a very young state. We have seen dimi- 
nutive plants, with a stem not more than three inches high, and in pots only one 
size larger than the smallest that are used, throwing up a spike of flowers which 
w^as actually larger than the entire specimen besides. Yet, although so prolific in 
infancy, it is remarkably susceptible to good culture, and displays, perhaps more 
than any other Gesnera, the beneficial effects of favourable treatment. 
Another characteristic which adds to its interest, and which will promote its 
diffusion and popularity, is the peculiarly liberal manner in which it propagates 
itself. Like the new species of Ackimenes^ which have already been dispersed 
tlirough almost every garden where they can be cultivated, it increases most 
prodigally by throwing up a kind of sucker, which has a small tuber attached to 
its base, and which, when detached, speedily becomes an independent and healthy 
plant. 
Of a plant which is either now, or will very shortly be, so easily procured, 
which is so strikingly attractive in all its features, and yields an immensely 
improved appearance to the cultivator's care, it is assuredly to be desired that the 
best method of treatment be known. We intend, therefore, embodying all we 
have observed concerning it in the present paper. 
Conformably with our usual practice, we shall first point out those things in 
its management which are inappropriate and injurious. And here we have to note 
its being mostly kept in too small a pot. Gesneras are not plants that have very 
strong or very spreading roots. Still, their roots are succulent when in vigour, 
and being of annual formation, with a soft surface, imbibe a considerable quantity 
of fluid, and are damaged, as well as prevented from absorbing properly, by 
contact with any hard substance, such as the side of a pot. The stems, too, which 
are likewise large, juicy, and porous, demand most abundant and continuous 
